Family Day in B.C.

BC Premier John Horgan is wishing everyone in the province a Happy Family Day today. The day was established back in 2013, however, the day has been inconsistent with other provinces.

In a press release, Horgan says “To make sure Family Day events are accessible to everyone, the B.C. government has partnered with the BC Recreation and Parks Association to fund free family-friendly activities and events in communities around the province.”

Last Family Day in the second week of February

The provincial government has decided that this will be the last Family Day during the second week of February. Premier John Hogan says the government made the decision to better align with businesses and families.

In a press release, Horgan says ” “Moving Family Day is the right thing to do for businesses small and large, and is better for families who may be spread out across the country.This gives families an opportunity to schedule and spend more time with loved ones from other provinces.”

When Family Day was established back in 2013 it was inconsistent with other Canadian provinces as well as the United States.

Surrey Board of Trade CEO Anita Huberman welcomed the change in a press release saying “The misalignment of Family Day causes inconvenience, increased costs, and lost the opportunity for businesses of all sizes and in various industries. The economic benefit from this change will greatly assist our members, and especially small- and medium-sized businesses, across the province.”

Not everyone agrees with the change

Not long after Horgan made the announcement, the BC Liberals were quick to send out a press release voicing their displeasure with the decision. In a joint statement
BC Liberal Critics Michelle Stilwell and Doug Clovechok called it a “slap in the face”.

They said that there was an “absolute lack of consultation” and “It’s another reminder the BC NDP simply doesn’t care about small businesses or the economy. The NDP is taking opportunities away from our resource-based industries, needlessly putting our wine industry at risk, threatening the agricultural sector and are now going after our tourism economy.”

The release ends with “It seems the only thing this government will not consult on is creating jobs.”